1. You will be assigned to a design team of three to four students.

2. Assign the following roles to the design team:

Project Director – This person is responsible for making sure all members are keeping up with their assigned tasks, and overseeing the creation of the presentation.

Graphics Coordinator – This person is responsible for locating graphics that can be used for the presentation. You will need to know what form your presentation will be in (PowerPoint, Publisher, posters, charts, etc.) so you are locating graphics that can actually be helpful. Hint: You will need to print out a graphic found on the Internet to use in a non-multimedia presentation, and you will need to scan a graphic from a book or magazine to use in a multimedia presentation. Be aware of copyright issues. If needed, ask for assistance in obtaining permission to use a graphic.

Typist – This person is responsible for typing the final copy of the report. The entire team will be involved in deciding the format for the report.

Graphic Designer – This person is responsible for drawing the design for the stamp. The entire team will have input as to what that design will need to entail.

3. As a team research the background material for your report. You will need to research the three groups/individuals the postal service has given you, and discuss which you feel has contributed the most to the opening of the West. Be sure to discuss all three, keeping an open mind as you do so.

4. After gaining a better understanding of the contributions of each group/individual, as a team come to a conclusion of which contributed the most to the opening of the West.

5. Plan and prepare your report and presentation. You will need to do a rough draft and get teacher approval before beginning the final stages. Things to consider as you plan:

• How will you present your information to the postal service? Possibilities include PowerPoint, Publisher, HyperStudio, posters, charts, brochures, etc.
• What will the design for the stamp look like and how will you present this design?
• Do you have all the needed information, graphics, supplies, etc.?
• Who will narrate the presentation?